Financial Services Innovators (FSI), with sponsorship from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has selected 15 female students from Northern Nigeria for industry internships after completing an eight-week software testing training programme that attracted 590 applications.
The programme, which ran from August 8 to September 26, 2026, reached female students across Kano, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and Katsina states.
According to a press release issued by FSI, 115 students were admitted to the Fundamentals of Software Testing programme, while 95 participated, submitted their assignments and received final grades.
The 15 selected participants will begin a five-week internship with GoAssurify Ltd. in November 2026, allowing them to gain practical experience in software testing and apply the skills acquired during the training.
The programme was designed to equip female tertiary institution students with technical skills relevant to the technology industry and improve their access to professional opportunities.
Training covers software testing and digital tools
During the programme, participants received training in software testing principles, software development life cycle models, test case design, defect management, web application testing and application programming interface (API) testing.
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They also completed practical assignments and group projects involving web and API testing simulations, using industry tools such as Jira and Postman.
FSI said the initial six-week curriculum was extended by two weeks to give participants more time to complete practical assignments and support students facing internet connectivity challenges and other learning barriers.
Participants were assessed using a 200-point grading framework that covered practical projects, assignments, participation, group work and attendance. Six students scored 70 per cent and above, while 15 participants were selected for the internship.
Khadija Umar Danhassan, a Computer Science student at the National Open University of Nigeria who resides in Kano State, emerged as the programme’s overall best performer with a score of 93.5 per cent.
FSI Executive Director, Dr Aituaz Kola-Oladejo, said the programme was designed to address the gender gap in technology by combining technical training with mentorship and opportunities for practical industry experience.
“At FSI, we believe that bridging the gender gap in technology requires more than encouraging young women to consider careers in tech. It requires giving them access to relevant skills, practical learning opportunities, industry mentors and clear pathways into the workplace.
“The response to this programme, with 590 applications from across Northern Nigeria, demonstrates the interest among young women in participating in the digital economy. We are particularly encouraged that 95 students completed the programme requirements and that 15 outstanding participants will progress to a five-week internship with GoAssurify Ltd. in November.
“With the support of the Nigerian Communications Commission, we are helping to turn that interest into practical capability and opportunity. Through our SmartGirls Initiative Africa, we want more young women to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as the professionals who test, develop, secure and build the digital solutions shaping our future.
“Our ambition is to expand these opportunities across Nigeria and Africa, ensuring that more young women can access the skills, mentorship and industry connections needed to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”
The programme also attracted students from disciplines outside computing, including nursing, biological and chemical sciences, mass communication, accounting, business administration, engineering, law and education.
FSI said the participation of students from different academic backgrounds demonstrated that technology skills could create opportunities for young women beyond traditional computer-related courses.
The organisation also identified unreliable internet connectivity, power supply interruptions and limited access to suitable devices as challenges encountered during the programme. It said the lessons would inform efforts to improve access and participation in future training cohorts.
The training programme is part of FSI’s SmartGirls Initiative Africa, which aims to increase female participation in technology through four tracks: artificial intelligence, software testing, software development and cybersecurity.
Beyond technical training, the initiative seeks to connect participants with industry mentors who can help them understand workplace expectations, professional standards and career opportunities.
FSI said it would continue expanding the initiative across Nigeria and Africa, with support from industry partners and other stakeholders, to improve young women’s access to relevant digital skills and practical learning opportunities.
Selected internship awardees:
1. Khadija Umar Danhassan
2. Comfort Ali Adamu
3. Hauwa Muhammed Alhassan
4. Laila Usman
5. Hamidat Olaoti
6. Badmus Oluwatosin
7. Maryam Bulama Laminu
8. Aminu Sahiba Agbo
9. Isma’il Fadila Adam
10. Rasheedat Abdulazeez
11. Maryam Balarabe Adamu
12. Ada Blessing Emmanuel
13. Bilkisu Muhammad Ahmad
14. Abdullahi Aisha Adamu
15. Maryjane Adebayo
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X